In recent years, the exponential proliferation of smart devices with their
intelligent applications poses severe challenges on conventional cellular
networks. Such challenges can be potentially overcome by integrating
communication, computing, caching, and control (i4C) technologies. In this
survey, we first give a snapshot of different aspects of the i4C, comprising
background, motivation, leading technological enablers, potential applications,
and use cases. Next, we describe different models of communication, computing,
caching, and control (4C) to lay the foundation of the integration approach. We
review current state-of-the-art research efforts related to the i4C, focusing
on recent trends of both conventional and artificial intelligence (AI)-based
integration approaches. We also highlight the need for intelligence in
resources integration. Then, we discuss integration of sensing and
communication (ISAC) and classify the integration approaches into various
classes. Finally, we propose open challenges and present future research
directions for beyond 5G networks, such as 6G.Comment: This article has been accepted for inclusion in a future issue of
China Communications Journal in IEEE Xplor
